The Associated Press is running a story on some comments made by President Medvedev during a television address following meetings with Yabloko party representatives. Considering the elements that Medvedev and other liberal reformers are up against in the Kremlin, he is telling the truth here – these are significant steps toward democracy, even if democracy is still a long, long ways away. Also, this news makes zero sense next to that other report from United Russia… This government appears to be split on message – either you are working toward democracy, or you are arguing that you don’t need it. Despite shortcomings and the whole words-vs.-actions thing, it is positive to hear the Russian president make these comments.
President Medvedev, as quoted by AP:
“I believe these decisions are aimed to create a modern, more democratic political system,” Medvedev said in televised remarks during the meeting at his residence outside Moscow.
“Of course, the formation of the political system is proceeding constantly,” he added — apparently eager to avoid the impression that he was criticizing Putin, the mentor who chose him as successor and now serves as prime minister. Many Russians believe Putin still holds the country’s reins.
Medvedevmet with leaders of Yabloko, a liberal party that has been out ofparliament since 2000; the little-known nationalist party Patriots ofRussia; and Right Cause, a party created last year with Kremlin support.
Hestruck an inclusive tone in comments broadcast on state television. Hepointed out that the parties have tens of thousands of members and saidit was “quite likely” they will “sooner or later” win seats in theState Duma, the lower house of parliament.
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Significant? You must be kidding!Liberal reformer? James, have you lost your freakin’ mind?I’m with Petrov, whose quote you ignored:”The reforms Medvedev has initiated ‘absolutely do not change, not an iota, the political construction that Putin has handed over to Medvedev — if he has actually handed it over,’ said Nikolai Petrov, an analyst with the Carnegie Moscow Center. ‘These are small, decorative changes whose purpose is to demonstrate that something is changing, something is improving, something is democratizing, but they in no way change the whole political design,’ Petrov said.”Calling Medvedev a liberal reformer is ridiculous and offensive to those who really struggle for democracy in Russia. Medvedev is part of the problem, not part of the solution.